For many years, Joshua Gale felt judged for his past every time he tried to find work. But despite the challenges, one powerful purpose drove him forward; to be the father his daughter believes in. 

Today, in his new Traffic Control role with Trafficking, he has finally found the stability and family connection he long hoped for. 

Judged for his past, searching for a future

Joshua faced many hurdles on his path to meaningful employment, including convictions, drug and alcohol addiction, poor mental health and extreme financial hardship. 

After being on income support for many years, Joshua transitioned to CVGT Employment’s Workforce Australia program. 

In November 2024, when Albury CVGT Employment Consultant Anu Pal first met Joshua, she quickly understood just how heavy his past experiences had been.  

“Joshua carried the weight of significant personal and social barriers that had long prevented him from securing stable and meaningful work,” Anu says. 

“He felt judged for his appearance and past. But he had one powerful motivator to turn his life around, his teenage daughter.”

Our conversations were always honest and open. And for the first time in years, Joshua said he felt believed in.
Anu Pal
CVGT Employment Consultant

Building skills and a clearer path forward 

With Anu’s guidance and support, they mapped a path to rebuilding his life. One important step in his journey was addressing addiction through drug and alcohol counselling. To strengthen his confidence and social connection, Joshua attended CVGT Employment’s Job Development workshops focused on teamwork, workplace motivation and interview preparation. He also participated in Job Canvassing Clubs, where he had the opportunity to apply for jobs and meet employers. 

“Although he continued to feel judgement for his past, he kept showing up and staying committed,” Anu says. 

Turning point 

By the end of 2025, Joshua had successfully completed the NSW Traffic Control course. This new qualification opened the door to employment opportunities and provided a clearer path forward. It wasn’t long before the Albury CVGT Employment team secured Joshua a Traffic Control job with Trafficking. 

Since starting work, Joshua has continued receiving support from CVGT Employment to help him grow in his role and work toward long-term stability. 

“We’ve paid for him to complete the Workers on Foot course and are supporting him to obtain the Victorian Traffic Control ticket so he can increase his hours and progress toward full time employment,” Anu says of supporting Joshua whilst in work. 

Fuel vouchers, work related items and tailored support from the Albury team have made sure that practical barriers like transport, finances and equipment never stand in his way.
Anu Pal
CVGT Employment Consultant

A proud father with a new beginning

When participants who have faced long-term unemployment overcome their barriers and thrive in meaningful work, the team at CVGT Employment is proud to walk alongside them and Joshua’s journey is one of those shared successes. 

Today, Joshua is employed, motivated and proud of the progress he has made. He says he looks forward to going to work each day and has embraced his new routine with commitment and positivity. But the most important thing is his relationship with his daughter. He is proud that his daughter sees him as a father who did not just talk about changing, he proved it.
Anu Pal
CVGT Employment Consultant